Camera? Canon PowerShot A75 Digital, For Coin Pics

ozzysdad

Hey,

Anyone have or know if this particular camera would be worth buying ? I need a good Digital to take pics of my coins. I was told by folks to pick one out for X-mas, But trying to keep it under $250.00. Think i could get a little direction or input from some of the forum?


Thanks, Brad....Link

eyoung429

It's the one that I am using. Takes dang good pictures, but you need a tripod and no cats around when taking pics. Here is a shot of one that I did this am, but I still stink at it sometimes........

cary1952

hi,

I have a canon a75 and a canon d20. I am just experimenting with the d20 ($1500 SLR camera) so i havent used the A75. But I can tell you , the A75 is a great 2mg pix camera. and price if now is only $179.00 at best buy. I think you can get the next model up with 3 or 4 meg pixel for around 50- 100 more, but i dont think you would need it unless you want to make 8x 10 prints.

You definately want to use f/11 or smaller and high shutter speed/ and or tripod using a timer. Hand holding the camera is very difficualt

- Cary -

ozzysdad

I was planning on building a post type stand like the one i saw in a forum post a few days ago with dual lamps and a mounting block, I have access to a lathe and a Milling maching and a degree in Advance Blueprinting and Tool and Die, Shouldn't be to complicated. I hope. I just want a Digital that won't be obsolete soon, and works with XP and JASC 8Pro.

stev32k

I believe you will find it is very difficult to take pictures of coins that give an accurate image. Every coin is different - the surfaces reflect light differently, they have different hues, colors, and texture. The three most important items, in order of importance, are lighting, lighting, and lighting. If you are only going to take pictures for use on the web 2.0 mpixels is adequate. The lens on the camera must focus closely enough to fill the view finder with the coin (you can check this in the store). As you mentioned a copy stand is also important.

By far the best lighting is outdoors in open shade on a bright sunny day. Even then you will need some dark colored poster board to deflect unwanted reflections. Indoors you need a light box and/or diffusion dome. The diffusion dome can be a lamp shade or a frosted glass lighting fixture. You will want some reflectors. These can be mirrors, aluminum foil, and plain white paper. You can make a light box by pasting white paper inside a cardboard box then cut off the flaps and cut out one side and cover the opening with wax paper. The light source is directed at the wax paper and the camera is positioned over the open top. This will give an even, diffuse, and natural looking light.

Even when you have lots of experience plan on taking 5, 10, or even 15 shots of the same coin to get one that looks natural and shows all the details. Here is a link to some coin photos I've taken using the methods described above: http://www.pbase.com/stev32k/coins